DE102007012098A1 - capacitor module - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a capacitor module having at least two capacitors (10, 20, 40) of the same cell type, each having on one of its end faces a pressure relief valve for the electrolyte contained and arranged in the capacitor module in an operating position at least substantially horizontal position and electrically connected to each other. By using only one type of cell, significant costs are saved. In the case of a series connection of the capacitors (10, 20, 40), a simple wiring of the capacitors on their opposite end faces is possible, whereby due to their horizontal position, the risk of inadvertent leakage of electrolyte from one of the pressure relief valves is avoided. With various embodiments, sufficient cooling of the capacitor module is ensured.

Description

The The present invention relates to a capacitor module having a plurality of capacitors.

Such a capacitor module is for example from DE 10 2004 045 182 known. The module described therein substantially comprises a cup-shaped module housing and a plurality of capacitors arranged in the module housing, wherein a gap is provided between two adjacent capacitors and the module housing is sealed to the outside. This is intended to protect the capacitors from external environmental conditions, to improve the convection of heat in the housing and to prevent electrolyte from escaping into the environment in the event of damage to a capacitor.

From the DE 10 2004 035 810 For example, a capacitor module with a plurality of capacitors is known which are arranged in a housing, wherein a heat contact surface which is connected to a capacitor is connected to a housing surface by means of a mass. This should improve the dissipation of heat loss to the environment.

capacitors in general for such capacitor modules have an overpressure or bleed valve, by that, for example, in the case of excessive heat the resulting gases can escape in a controlled manner, so that the capacitor does not endanger the environment Way is destroyed. As this valve usually is arranged on one of the two end faces of the capacitor, must be observed when mounting the capacitors in the capacitor module be that in the later installation position of the module none of the valve end faces on a bottom is located, since in this case there is a risk that electrolyte through the valve.

Around even with a series connection a simple contact next to each other arranged capacitors on their adjacent end faces To be able to realize two different types of Capacitors ("cell types"), namely those in which those end faces in which the pressure relief valve is located, either a positive or a negative (screw) electrode having. For series connection then capacitors are different Cell types each side by side and upright in the module standing welded to their bottoms, being the pressure relief valves (and alternately the positive and negative electrodes) always at the upper end sides are located. In the case of a parallel connection are natural only capacitors of a cell type required.

A Object of the present invention is the cost of a to reduce such a capacitor module.

Solved This object is achieved according to claim 1 with a Capacitor module containing at least two capacitors of one same Cell type, which in the module in one in the operating position or installation position of the module at least substantially horizontal Position are arranged and electrically connected to each other.

The Costs are thereby reduced, that only capacitors of a cell type are required without being connected in series the above-mentioned type having a valve end face of a the (at least) two capacitors are located at one bottom.

Thereby, that the capacitors are in horizontal, that is horizontal or at least substantially horizontal position in the capacitor module are mounted, it is namely possible, the capacitors to arrange next to each other in an alternating orientation without There is a risk that from one of the pressure relief valves Unintentionally electrolyte escapes. At the same time stay in case of one Series connection thereby also the advantages explained above obtained at the interconnection.

The subclaims contain advantageous developments of the invention,
Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred and exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. It shows:

1 an exploded view of a first embodiment of the invention;

2 a three-dimensional view of the capacitor module according to the first embodiment;

3 different views of the in 2 shown capacitor module;

4 an exploded view of a second embodiment of the invention;

5 a three-dimensional view of the capacitor module according to the second embodiment of the invention; and

6 different views of the in 5 shown capacitor module.

The in the 1 to 3 shown first embodiment of the invention has the particular advantage that a particularly effective heat dissipation and cooling of the capacitors is achieved on the cylinder jacket, while in the 4 to 6 shown second embodiment is particularly characterized in that the heat is dissipated well over the end faces of the capacitors and the capacitor module.

One common preferred feature of both embodiments is that the capacitor modules in a sandwich technique are constructed, in which the individual capacitors close together lying lying around, for a particularly good heat dissipation to ensure. This sandwich technique can be independent be realized by the materials used for it.

As already mentioned at the beginning, have the capacitors preferably all of the same cell type and indicate one of their End faces in each case a pressure relief valve. In general is located on this front side, the positive electrode of the Capacitor, while at the opposite Front side of the negative electrode for contacting available stands.

The sandwich construction is especially good in 1 recognizable. The first embodiment of the capacitor module shown there accordingly comprises a first group of capacitors 10 and a second group of capacitors 20 (in each case preferably so-called EDLC cells), each exemplifying four individual capacitors 10 . 20 include, which are preferably all of the same cell type. The capacitors 10 . 20 are connected in series. In order to be able to electrically connect them to one another at their adjacent end faces, they are aligned alternately in their longitudinal direction.

Alternatively, individual capacitors could 10 . 20 also be aligned and switched parallel to each other.

Depending on the desired number of capacitors 10 . 20 Of course, in the capacitor module, the two capacitor groups can also have a different number of capacitors 10 . 20 include, and / or there are more than two capacitor groups in the in 1 way shown above and / or next to each other.

On the two long sides of the two capacitor groups, ie the cylinder jacket surfaces of the capacitors 10 . 20 , lies in each case a first and a second heat-conducting and electrically insulating layer, preferably in the form of a 20 Insulating mat 11 . 12 ; 21 . 22 at. The insulating mats 11 . 12 ; 21 . 22 If they are not made of a flexible material, they have a profile that fits the profile of the capacitor groups.

The capacitor groups and the insulating mats adjacent to them 11 . 12 ; 21 . 22 are each between a first and a second recording profile 13 . 14 ; 23 . 24 embedded, the inner surface each also has a profile that the surface of the capacitor groups or the insulating mats 11 . 12 ; 21 . 22 follows.

This sandwich structure with the two capacitor groups, each on either side of an insulating mat 11 . 12 ; 21 . 22 as well as the recording profiles 13 . 14 ; 23 . 24 are framed in the assembled state at the two end faces of the structure, each having a first and second cover 30 ; 31 closed, with the first cover 30 also two connecting bolts 301 . 302 which are each electrically connected to the positive or negative pole of the capacitor groups and via which the contacting of the capacitor module takes place.

2 shows the capacitor module in assembled state in three-dimensional view. In this condition are essentially only the recording profiles 13 . 14 ; 23 . 24 the first and second capacitor groups to be recognized by the first and second cover 30 ; 31 are enclosed. Furthermore, the connection pins serving for contacting the capacitor module are 301 . 302 at the first cover 30 shown.

3 shows three views of the capacitor module according to 2 ,

In 3 (A) is a plan view of the first recording profile 13 the first capacitor group and the first and second cover 30 . 31 shown, wherein on the first cover 30 also one of the two connecting bolts 301 can be seen.

3 (B) shows a side view of the in 2 rear side surface according to arrow P1 in 2 , in turn, the four recording profiles 13 . 14 ; 23 . 24 the two capacitor groups and the first and second cover 30 . 31 with the first and second terminal bolts 301 . 302 at the first cover 30 can be seen.

3 (C) finally shows a plan view of the first cover 30 according to arrow P2 in 3 (A) with the two connecting bolts 301 . 302 ,

As material for the recording profiles 13 . 14 ; 23 . 24 as well as the two covers 30 . 31 Preferably, metal or another good heat-conducting material is chosen to a good heat u transition and to ensure sufficient heat dissipation from the capacitor module.

4 shows a second embodiment of the capacitor module in an exploded view with a group of capacitors 40 , the example in two rows of four capacitors 40 arranged side by side and preferably adjacent to each other. Again, all capacitors are preferably of the same cell type and have at one of their end faces in each case a pressure relief valve according to the above explanations.

The capacitors 40 are, as explained in connection with the first embodiment, in turn alternately aligned in its longitudinal direction and connected in series, wherein, if necessary, individual capacitors 40 Of course, the same orientation and parallel to each other could be. The number of capacitors 40 is also chosen as needed.

The capacitors 40 are by means of electrical cell connectors 41 connected at its two end faces in the desired manner electrical to each other.

The two end faces of the capacitor group are each of a first or 15 second holder 44 . 47 essentially, the mechanical fixation of the capacitors 40 serves. For electrical contacting of the series connection of the capacitors and thus of the capacitor module are on the second holder 47 a first and a second connecting bolt 48 . 49 intended.

For fixing the capacitors 40 is still a spacer 42 provided, which is placed between the two capacitor rows and by means of two rods 43 is held between the two holders 44 . 47 extend and attached to these.

To cool the capacitor module is on the connecting bolt 48 . 49 opposite end of the capacitors 40 preferably a heat sink 46 arranged, preferably via a plurality of heat-conducting and electrically insulating plates 45 for heat dissipation with the first holder 44 connected is.

5 shows the second embodiment of the capacitor module in the assembled state in three-dimensional view. In this state are essentially the capacitors 40 placed in two rows of four individual capacitors each 40 are arranged, and the first and the second holder 44 . 47 to recognize at the two end faces of the capacitor group. Furthermore, one of the two connecting bolts 48 on the second holder 47 as well as a part of the spacer 42 between the two rows of capacitors 40 shown. Finally, the heat sink is 46 on the first holder 44 to recognize.

6 again shows three views of the capacitor module according to 5 ,

In 6 (A) is a plan view of the capacitor module shown, in which the capacitors 40 , the first and the second holder 44 . 47 , the heat sink 46 on the first holder 44 as well as the first connection bolt 48 on the second holder 47 can be seen.

6 (B) shows an end view of the capacitor module according to arrow P1 in 5 in which essentially the second holder 47 with the two connecting bolts 48 . 49 is shown.

6 (C) finally shows a side view of the capacitor module according to arrow P2 in 6 (A) in which it can be seen that the capacitors 40 arranged in two rows. Further, the spacers 42 as well as the first holder 20 44 with the heat sink 46 and the second holder 47 with the two connecting bolts 48 . 49 indicated.

As material for the two holders 44 . 47 is again preferably an electrically non-conductive, but good heat conducting material chosen to achieve a sufficient heat transfer and a corresponding cooling or heat dissipation from the capacitor module.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 102004045182 [0002]
• - DE 102004035810 [0003]

Claims (13)

Capacitor module with at least two capacitors ( 10 ; 20 ; 40 ) of a same type of cell, which are arranged in the capacitor module in an operating position of the capacitor module in at least substantially horizontal position and electrically connected to each other. Capacitor module according to Claim 1, in which the capacitors ( 10 ; 20 ; 40 ) are mounted adjacent to each other in the capacitor module. Capacitor module according to Claim 1, in which the capacitors ( 10 ; 20 ; 40 ) are arranged side by side in at least one, in the operating position of the capacitor module at least substantially horizontal plane. Capacitor module according to Claim 3, in which the in-plane capacitors ( 10 ; 20 ) of a first and a second recording profile ( 13 . 14 ; 23 . 24 ), which are above or below the level of the capacitors ( 10 ; 20 ) are arranged. Capacitor module according to Claim 4, in which between the capacitors ( 10 ; 20 ) and the recording profiles ( 13 . 14 ; 23 . 24 ) each have a heat-conducting layer ( 11 . 12 ; 21 . 22 ) is introduced. Capacitor module according to Claim 5, in which the heat-conducting layer ( 11 . 12 ; 21 . 22 ) is electrically insulating. Capacitor module according to Claim 4, in which the two opposite end faces of the capacitors ( 10 . 20 ) with a first or a second cover ( 30 . 31 ) are closed. Capacitor module according to Claim 7, in which on one of the covers ( 30 ) for contacting the capacitor module connecting bolt ( 301 . 302 ) are arranged. Capacitor module according to Claim 3, in which the capacitors ( 40 ) by in each case one at its opposite end faces arranged first and second holder ( 44 . 47 ) are fixed. Capacitor module according to claim 9, in which on the first holder ( 44 ) a heat sink ( 46 ) is arranged. Capacitor module according to claim 9, in which on the second holder ( 47 ) Connecting bolt ( 48 . 49 ) are arranged for contacting the capacitor module. Capacitor module according to Claim 10, in which, between the first holder ( 44 ) and the heat sink ( 46 ) a plurality of heat-conducting and electrically insulating plates ( 45 ) is stored. Capacitor module according to Claim 9, in which the capacitors ( 40 ) are arranged in at least two superimposed planes, wherein between the planes a spacer ( 42 ) arranged by means of rods ( 43 ) between the first and the second holder ( 44 . 47 ) is fixed.